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Maryland Carroll County Health Department

Stay Safe in the Heat

Cooling Center Information

Residents who are vulnerable to extreme heat and who do not have air-conditioning in their homes are encouraged to cool off in the following locations until the close of business:

older man heat       contruction worker heat

Heat safety tips

  • Limit time outside, especially at the hottest time of day, between 10 AM and 4 PM.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing and sunscreen SPF 15 or higher when outside.
  • Drink more water than usual. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
  • Check on kids and elderly or disabled neighbors and family members.
  • NEVER leave a child, pet, or elderly person alone in a car, even for a minute. This can quickly cause heatstroke and even death. If you see a child, elderly person, or pet alone in a car, call 911.

For more information on staying safe in the heat, visit www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/

Summer Storms

Check the weather and make sure you and your family are prepared for summer storms.

  • Find safe spots in your house without windows or doors, where you can shelter in a storm.
  • Keep cell phones charged. Make sure all family members know important numbers, and know how to text. Text messages can be easier to send in an emergency.
  • Have a kit with water (1 gallon per person and pet per day for 3 days), a flashlight, and a radio (a weather radio is best).
  • Plan for family members with special needs, like medical equipment that needs electricity.
  • Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check online for storm updates:
  • Make sure pets and farm animals have a safe place to shelter.
  • Keep your cars’ gas tanks filled.
  • Clear your yard of things that could blow around during the storm and damage your home, like grills, bikes, and patio furniture.
  • Know how to turn off your power and gas. If you see flooding or downed power lines, smell gas, or have to leave your home, switch them off.
  • Fill sinks and bathtubs with water for washing and flushing toilets in case you lose your water supply.
  • Lower the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer to keep food cold if the power goes out.

For more information on summer storms, visit Thunderstorms and Lightning from Ready.gov

Power Outages / Energy Assistance

If your power goes out, report it to your power company.

BGE: 877-778-2222

Potomac Edison: 888-544-4877

If you need help paying your energy bills, call Human Services Programs at 410-857-2999.

Water Safety

The water at beaches can sometime be contaminated with things that make people sick. Check for Maryland beach safety information and sign up for updates at http://www.marylandhealthybeaches.org/

Keep kids safe at the beach or pool. Make sure an adult who can swim is actively watching the kids.

To keep pools clean and germ-free, wash off before entering the pool, stay out of the pool if you are sick, and change kids’ swim diapers often. Teach kids not to swallow pool water.

For more summer safety tips for kids, visit CDC’s water safety page.